How to Bargain at Markets in Thailand

Where It's Acceptable

At markets and street stalls bargaining is acceptable and even expected. At shops with fixed price tags (including most chains) it's less relevant.

How to Do It Politely

A smile and calm bargaining are received better than aggressive insistence. A reasonable (not extreme) offer usually leads to a middle price fair to both sides.

Where Yes and Where No

Bargaining is accepted at night markets and at stalls without a posted price, especially for clothes, souvenirs and jewelry. You don't bargain over street food, taxi meters, convenience stores like 7-Eleven, malls and chains with fixed price tags. With a tuk-tuk, you agree on a price before the ride, so the bargaining happens beforehand, not afterwards.

Simple Techniques That Work

Ask the price, smile, and offer a low but reasonable price. If the seller starts to compromise, move up gradually. Buying several items together usually gets a better discount. A polite walk away from the stall is an effective tool, and sometimes the seller will call you back with a better price. Keep small bills, because it's hard to bargain when there's no change.

Check the quality of the item before you start bargaining, and don't bargain if you don't intend to buy. Don't expect a big discount on everything, and remember that an amount that is small to you can be significant to the seller.

Cultural Considerations and Price Comparison

Bargaining in Thailand is a game, not a battle. A smile and good manners matter more than the final price. If you've reached a price that seems fair to you, you can simply accept. To know what's fair, compare prices at a few stalls before you buy, and check the price comparison between Thailand and Israel.

Where to Go Shopping

The big night markets are the right place for bargaining: Bangkok night markets and Chiang Mai night markets. For concentrated shopping, see shopping in Bangkok. And in any case, keep your manners as described in Thai etiquette.

An Example of a Bargaining Exchange and What Not to Do

Say a seller asks a high price for a shirt. You offer a distinctly lower amount, he comes down a little, and you go up a little, until you reach a price in the middle that suits you both. It's all done with a smile, not in anger. It's important not to name a price and then refuse to buy, because that's considered disrespectful, so only offer a price you're willing to pay.

Common mistakes: bargaining over very small amounts, comparing out loud to prices at another stall, or insisting when the seller has already said 'that's the last price'. At food stalls bargaining is considered disrespectful. And if you don't like the quality of the item, just say thank you and move on. Appreciation, a smile and calm are a large part of the secret.

Keep reading

Floating markets in Thailand: which are touristy and which feel more local.

Thai souvenirs: what is worth buying and what not to take home.